Music at Saint Bernard's

2007-2008

MUSIC AT SAINT BERNARD'S

The 21st Season of Services & Programs of Special Music at Historic Saint Bernard's Church, Bernardsville, New Jersey

ended on Good Friday with the choral presentation of The Way of the Cross. Next year's program will be posted soon. We expect to open with a concert on the new Colby organ by Dr. Charles Callahan, its designer. Please plan to join us for events of the upcoming 2008-2009 season, beginning in the fall.

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Celebrating over 20 Years of Special Music

ABOUT MUSIC AT SAINT BERNARD'S

The 2006-2007 Season marked the twentieth anniversary of Music at Saint Bernard’s, an annual concert series offered to the public in the Great Hall of the Parish House from October to May.

In 1987 Mr. Steven R. Lawrence, Choirmaster & Organist of Saint Bernard’s Church, first realized his vision to present a broad range of classical performances to local audiences.

Over the years, regionally, nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians have visited Bernardsville to perform in these gala events. The Choir of Saint Bernard’s Church, as well as The Bernards High School Madrigal Ensemble and The Antioch Vocal Ensemble have provided the heart of the community talent.

Audiences have enjoyed a wide selection of classical music, including the works of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Faure, to name a few. CD recordings of performances have been produced and are available for purchase.

In Retrospect

THE 2006-2007 SEASON

Festival Evensong with the Choir of Saint Bernard's Church and guest preacher The Right Reverend George E. Councell, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. The Reverend Dr. John A. Cerrato was the Officiant. Sunday, October 29, 2006.

Advent Procession from Darkness to Light, a traditional service of Advent Lessons and Carols with the Choir of Saint Bernard's. Sunday, December 10, 2006.

Ein deutsches Requiem of Johannes Brahms with the Saint Bernard's Choir, the Bernards High School Madrigal Ensemble, and members of the Antioch Vocal Ensemble. Sunday, March 4, 2007.

Choral Evensong for Holy Week with the Choir of Saint Bernard's and The Reverend Dr. John A. Cerrato, Officiant and Preacher. Sunday, April 1, 2007.

Madison String Quartet with guest vocalist Luthien Brackett in a benefit concert for Rebuild Saint Bernard's. Sunday, May 6, 2007.

THE 2005-2006 SEASON

In our nineteenth season, we were pleased to welcome such celebrated guest artists as Liesl Odenweller, lyric soprano, who returned home to Bernardsville from Venice for a benefit concert, as well as mezzo soprano Carolyn Sebron, tenor Gary Pate, and pianist and baritone Michael S. Caldwell. A fabulous season, which included offerings of English Choral Evensong, Christmas Lessons & Carols, and Good Friday The Way of the Cross, climaxed with a grand performance in March of Faure’s Requiem (now available on CD), including harpist Merynda Adams.